2010:365:237 Radio pictures.

The afternoon play on Radio 4 is a great companion on the journey from Belfast towards Kilkeel.  “Towards” rather than “to” because the signal weakens and dies around Dundrum, blocked by the Mourne Mountains.

“The Gallery” was broadcast today as a tribute to its playwright.  Had he still been alive it was one of those where I’d have sent a ‘thank you’ card to the author.  It was both poignant and funny, with characters who came to life in three quarters of an hour and filled my car with visuals better than any television soap. 

I could see the art installation even though it was discussed almost in passing; the mess on the kitchen walls that came as a result of an exploding anchovy tin, and a borrowed greyhound called Heathcliff, all added to the vivid picture of a small community trying to honour the memories of its bygone shipbuilding age. 

Professional art critics who attended the opening event were mesmerised by the creativity, while the listener knew that, since Grandma’s ashes had been vacuumed up by an enthusiastic cleaner, the installation was the result of a trip to the local recycling dump, and the crowning and contrasting sharp metal finial was simply the remains of the anchovy tin.

So many people and such a range of images were crammed into those forty five minutes that my head is still buzzing with the images.  I wish the author could know how much one of his listeners enjoyed his play. 

As for photographs for today … just one of my coffee this morning!  I was half an hour early for a course that I was attending so the nearby coffee shop provided a welcome blueberry muffin and mocha.  

And for the 365Project the theme is red so, before packing away the watercolours, I painted a sample of each of the reds that it contains – nothing more exciting than that!

Come to us, creative Spirit,

in our Father’s house;

every human talent, hallow,

that within your earthly temple,

wise and simple

may rejoice.

Poet, painter, music-maker,

all your treasures bring;

craftsman, actor, graceful dancer,

make your offering;

join your hands in celebration:

let creation

shout and sing!

Word from God eternal springing

fill our minds, we pray;

and in all artistic vision

give integrity:

may the flame within us burning

kindle yearning

day by day.

In all places and forever

glory be expressed

to the Son, with God the Father

and the Spirit blessed:

in our worship and our living

keep us striving

for the best.

Church Hymnal number 453

David Mowbray (b 1938)